Penny’s Points

The end of the second month of 2023 draws to a close. A cold spell is supposed to be on the horizon with a rumour of ‘white’ stuff’ falling, yep, a potential snowy spell could be with us!

The last month has seen a Freezer camp in mid-February for some of our Scouts, and a Frost camp the last weekend of February for others.

Just before Christmas, our ADC Scouts, Reg, stepped back for a time because of ill-health. I managed to outsource some nights away support from our neighbouring District, East Surrey, so our leaders have been able to continue in progressing with obtaining Night’s Away Permits. Reg is thankfully making a successful recovery, but has decided to hang up his woggle as ADC Scouts along with his night’s away role from 1 March and take an Assistant sectional role with a Group.

May I take this opportunity on behalf of Caterham District Scouts to thank Reg for his service as ADC and Nights Away Adviser. My personal thanks for being a part of my District team, and on behalf of my predecessor, Tim, for his years of service as part of his District team.

Our incoming ADC Scouts is Andrew Brownless and he is contactable from 1 March for this role on DistrictScouts@caterham-scouts.org.uk. We welcome Andrew and look forward to working with him.

Our Night’s Away Adviser remains outsourced. Please send any night’s away queries to me, so I can forward them as necessary.

As we look forward to the lighter mornings and more importantly evenings, our dreys, colonies, packs, troops and units will start to plan more time outdoors away from HQs. This gives me the opportunity to remind all to please observe the rules regarding adult to young person ratios for when away from the HQ. Exact details of the requirements can be found at Adult to Young People ratios | Scouts.

Sunday 23 April is St George’s Day and this will be the date for our annual parade. Plans are well under way. This year we will parade down Croydon Road (as usual) and end the parade by forming up for an open air service on Timberhill Recreation Ground, Timberhill Road. This will give the opportunity for many more spectators to join us, and for us to maximise being seen in our local community. I hope as many of you as possible will join us on Sunday 23 April. Details have been circulated to Group Scout Leaders and should be with all other adults and young people.

 Penny Stock, District Commissioner